Application Instructions

The admissions process can feel daunting at times. Below, we have broken down which documents you will need to submit for which degrees (and on what timeline). Additionally, please download our Application Instructions for an offline version of exactly how to proceed through the Admissions process.

Application Instructions

Deadline Types

  • Spring (January) Start: select in-person programs accept applications in the fall for a spring start. These include the Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD), the Master of Arts (MA), and the Master of International Business (MIB). If you apply by October 10, you will typically be notified of the decision in mid-November.
  • Early Notification: all in-person master’s programs (except MATA) accept applications early for enrollment for the following fall (August start) semester. Applicants must submit by November 10 and typically receive their decision by early January.
  • Scholarship Priority: all applicants to the in-person master’s programs must apply by January 10 to receive priority scholarship consideration. Applicants typically receive notification by early April. This is the only application date for Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA) candidates to apply to start at Fletcher.
  • Final Deadline: all in-person master’s programs (except for MATA) should submit their application by February 20 to be considered to enroll the following fall (August) semester. Applicants typically receive notification by early April.
  • PhD Admissions: our PhD programs’ admissions process is separate from our Master’s programs. The deadline to apply to the PhD in International Relations is December 15. Please refer to our PhD admissions page for more information.
  • Online Programs: our online programs, the Global Master of Arts Program (GMAP) and Global Business Administration (GBA), have unique deadlines and start dates. Please refer to each degree below for specific guidance.

Master's Degree Admissions Deadlines

Enrollment Option Deadline Type Application Deadline
Spring (January start) MALD, MA, MIB only October 10
Fall (August start) Early Notification November 10
Fall (August start) Scholarship Priority (only deadline for MATA) January 10
Fall (August start) Final Deadline February 20

Global Master of Arts Program Deadlines

The online Global Master of Arts Program enrolls on a different cycle as there is only one start date per year, in the summer (May).

Deadline Type Application Deadline
Early Notification October 10
Scholarship Priority December 10
Final Deadline January 20

Global Business Administration Deadlines

The online Global Business Administration degree offers three start dates each year—in the fall, spring and summer. Review the application deadlines below to determine the best term for your enrollment.

Enrollment Deadline Type Application Deadline
Fall (August start) Early Notification May 20
Fall (August start) Scholarship Priority June 10
Fall (August start) Final July 8
Spring (January start) Early Notification October 10
Spring (January start) Scholarship Priority November 10
Spring (January start) Final December 10
Summer (May start) Early Notification February 10
Summer (May start) Scholarship Priority March 10
Summer (May start) Final April 10

Interested in Map Your Future? 

Contact Admissions to learn more about the process and your options at fletcheradmissions@tufts.edu